How to Prevent Workplace Eye Injuries with the Right PPE

Introduction to Eye Safety at Worksites

Ensuring a safe working environment is essential, especially when it comes to protecting the eyes.

Eye injuries on the job can be severe, affecting not only an individual’s work capability but also their overall quality of life. The good news is that most of these injuries are preventable with proper eye protection. Understanding the importance of eye safety and implementing effective protective measures can make a significant difference.

The eyes are highly vulnerable to various workplace hazards including:

Flying Debris

Chemical Splashes

Intense Light Exposure

Without the right protection, workers are at a higher risk of incidents that could be easily avoided. This is where selecting the correct eye protection for the work being performed becomes vital.

Types of Eye Protection and Their Applications

There are different types of PPE designed for specific tasks and environments. Each eye protection type offers distinct advantages based on the potential hazards present.

Safety glasses are often used in settings where there is a risk of impact or flying particles. They provide basic protection and are suitable for a wide range of activities. Polycarbonate lenses are highly effective as they offer the highest level of impact resistance among safety lenses. However, they might not be adequate in environments where more stringent protection is needed.
Safety goggles can offer a higher level of protection. They provide a tighter seal around the eyes, protecting against dust, fumes, and liquid splashes. This makes them particularly effective in environments where chemical exposure is a concern.
For tasks that present a higher risk, such as handling molten materials or operating high-pressure systems, face shields are recommended. These provide comprehensive coverage for the entire face, protecting not just the eyes but also the surrounding areas from severe hazards.
Employees requiring vision correction can benefit from prescription safety glasses, through Arbill’s SightProtect^TM program—providing ANSI-certified protection while addressing individual vision needs through a simple, accessible process.

Keep in mind you must use the proper type/level based on work activity.

Job Hazard Analysis and Site Assessments

Choosing the right type of industrial eye safety protection requires careful assessment of the specific hazards associated with each job task. It’s important to consider the nature of the work, the potential risks, and the level of protection required to ensure that employees are adequately safeguarded. By matching the appropriate eye protection to the job, workplaces can significantly reduce the incidence of eye injuries and enhance overall safety.

More Eye Protection options available from Arbill:

Safety Goggles

Safety Sunglasses

Safety Readers

Faceshields & Headgear

Welding Helmets

Lens Options and Specialized Treatments for Industrial Eye Protection

Selecting PPE goes beyond just safety—it should also consider comfort, design, and functionality to encourage consistent use. Modern safety glasses are available in a variety of styles, making it easier for workers to find options that fit well and feel comfortable throughout their shifts. Sleek, lightweight frames, wraparound designs, and adjustable features help improve wearability while ensuring adequate protection.

Lens color plays a key role in adapting to different work environments:

Clear Lenses

General protection for indoor use, while tinted and specialized coatings can improve visibility and reduce strain.

Gray and Smoke-Tinted Lenses

Help minimize glare in bright outdoor settings.

Amber Lenses

Enhance contrast in low-light conditions, making them ideal for warehouses or early-morning and late-afternoon work.

Blue Lenses

Help reduce glare from artificial lighting.

Mirrored Lenses

Useful in high-glare environments such as construction sites with reflective surfaces.

Advanced lens treatments further improve functionality:

Anti-Fog Coatings

Help prevent condensation buildup, which is especially useful in humid conditions or when moving between different temperatures.

Anti-Scratch Coatings

Extend the lifespan of safety glasses, keeping vision clear despite rough handling.

UV Protection

Shields eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays, which is critical for outdoor workers.

Polarized Lenses

Reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, metal, and glass, helping workers maintain visibility in bright conditions.

By offering a variety of styles, lens options, and specialized coatings, employers can provide workers with safety eyewear that enhances both protection and comfort, leading to higher workplace safety compliance and improved workplace safety.

Use Markings for Eye Protection

Eyewear may have use markings indicating droplet and dust protection. Lenses that meet this requirement will have a “D” followed by a number:

D3– resistant to droplet and splash
D4– resistant to dust
D5– resistant to fine dust

U– uncoated

I/O– indoor/outdoor

AS– anti-scratch

SGAF/AS: Scotchguard™ anti-fog coating/anti-scratch lens

Base Curve– a higher base curve provides greater wraparound protection and peripheral vision; a high base curve may eliminate the need for side shields

“L”+ a number (1.3 to 10) – the Visible Light Filter rating

“R”+ a number (1.3 to 10) – the Infrared Filter rating

“V”– variable tint (or transition) lens designation

“S”– special purpose lens designation

“U”+ a number (2 to 6) – the Ultraviolet light scale rating

“W”+ a number (1.3 to 14) – a welding designation, including the lens shade number and the extent to which a welding lens will filter harmful radiation

“H”– coverage for small heads

Employee Safety Training and Education in the Workplace

To ensure employee safety, it is important that employers establish a clear written policy for PPE or Personal Protective Equipment and complete PPE Hazard Assessments for each job in the workplace. This will allow the company to appropriately train employees on the proper use of and when eyewear should be worn.

Conduct a site / hazard assessment
Develop a plan that is site-specific
Establish the proper eye protection based on the application
Conduct fit testing to ensure proper fit and that there are no gaps or exposed areas
Teach employees what PPE they are required to wear and when
Train employees on how to thoroughly inspect and maintain their PPE
Follow the manufacturer’s recommended use and warnings
Promptly replace damaged or missing eye protection

Industry Standards and Certifications

Ensuring that the chosen eye protection meets industry standards, such as those set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), is crucial. Safety glasses marked with the ANSI Z87 standard, for example, indicate compliance with rigorous safety requirements. Look for this mark on the lens or frame to confirm adherence to these standards.

The Z87 certification, established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and adopted by OSHA, sets the benchmark for protective eyewear in workplaces where hazards such as impact, chemical splashes, dust, and radiation are present. Safety glasses, goggles, and face shields that meet ANSI Z87.1 standards undergo rigorous testing to ensure they provide reliable protection against specific workplace dangers.

These tests evaluate resistance to high-velocity and high-mass impacts, optical clarity, and coverage to minimize exposure to hazards. Some eyewear carries additional markings, such as Z87+, indicating high-impact resistance, or D3, signifying protection against liquid splashes. Employers are required to provide eye protection that meets these standards whenever workers face potential risks, reinforcing compliance with OSHA regulations and reducing the likelihood of injuries. Investing in Z87-certified eyewear helps businesses safeguard employees while avoiding the financial and legal consequences of non-compliance.

OSHA Compliance: How Proper Eye Protection Prevents Costly Penalties

Adhering to eye safety standards is not only vital for preventing injuries but also for safeguarding your organization from financial penalties. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates that workers use eye and face protection whenever there is a reasonable probability of preventing injury with such equipment. Non-compliance with these regulations can result in substantial fines and legal repercussions, significantly impacting your business’ bottom line.

Documentation is also an essential aspect of compliance. Keep detailed records of training sessions, inspections, and any incidents related to eye protection. This documentation can be valuable during audits or inspections by regulatory bodies and can serve as evidence of your commitment to maintaining a safe workplace.

DID YOU KNOW?

The average cost of a single eye injury with vision loss can exceed…

159,358

…when factoring in medical expenses, lost productivity, and workers’ compensation claims, according to OSHA’s “$afety Pays” calculator.

Your Commitment to Employee Well-Being

Investing in high-quality eye protection from brands including Truline, 3M, Honeywell, MCR, Pyramex among others and ensuring that it is readily available to employees is a practical step toward compliance. By prioritizing eye safety and adherence to regulations, you create a safer work environment and demonstrate your commitment to employee well-being. This proactive approach can help prevent accidents, reduce financial risks, and promote a positive safety culture within your organization. Want personalized guidance on choosing the right eye protection? Talk to an Arbill safety expert today!

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